Independence Day

In the United States of America we celebrate our independence from tyranny and British rule.  The Deceleration of Independence signed on July 4, 1776 was the birth of the greatest country the world has ever seen.

However, the freedom we enjoy had to be fought for.  There were shooting wars with the British, the Germans, the Japanese and others that threatened the freedom that our founding fathers purchased with blood.  There was the cold war with the USSR.  We have the declared, and now undeclared, war against Al-Qaeda, or some would say Radical Islam.

Fact is, our freedoms, though free for us to enjoy, have been won and are maintained at a high cost.  Brave men and women have died so we can eat our bratwurst in safety and in freedom.

Of course there is more to freedom.  Those of us who have Jesus as our Lord and our Savior are reminded of a King who died for His subjects.  Who gave everything He had so His children could have freedom.  Freedom from sin.  Freedom from condemnation.  Freedom from God’s wrath that is to come.

The moment you believe in your heart that Jesus was the only son of God who died for your sins and on the third day rose from the dead, and you confess it with your mouth, you have freedom.  You can’t earn it.  You can’t be a good enough person.  Jesus had to shed His blood so you that you might live.

Our freedom was bought with a high price.  That is worth celebrating July 4th and every day!